Check out staples of local music scene

Thursday

The weekend after Thanksgiving is always strange and unpredictable for Savannah's music scene.

Many local folks are still out of town, while others are trying to find ways to amuse their out of town guests.

Or just escape from the family for a time and amuse themselves.

Movies and shopping are always big hits after Thanksgiving. But there's going to be less shopping this year, and do adults really want to stand in line to buy tickets to "Twilight"?

So it looks like a great weekend to check out some of the tried and true performers who have become staples of the local music scene.

As noted on page 12E, The Train Wrecks return to The Jinx on Saturday for a night of upbeat Americana.

But if The Jinx isn't your scene, there are some lower-key options.

Jazz'd Tapas Bar features the rollicking blues of Bottles n Cans on Saturday evening and the smooth guitar work of Annie Allman on Sunday.

On Saturday, pianist and singer Gail Thurmond brings her mellow mix of jazz standards to Grapevine Restaurant on Wilmington Island. Many of us first got to know Thurmond's work at The Planters Tavern, where she performed for many years before setting up shop at Grapevine every Thursday and Saturday evening.

Doc's Bar features - no surprise - Roy & The Circuit Breakers, who are familiar to those who enjoy the classic Tybee nightspot. Doc's will also be open for a big potluck dinner on Thanksgiving. Check out www.docsbartybee.com for more information.

Harry O'Donoghue, another local mainstay, will be setting up shop on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 p.m. onward at Kevin Barry's on River Street. It's a great chance to hear the host of GPB's "The Green Island" in person.

High school student Brendan Polk may be a lot younger than some of the other folks listed here, but he's become a steady presence in the last few months at a variety of venues. The young jazz pianist will be leading a trio at Casimir's Lounge at The Mansion on Forsyth Park on Friday.

And that's just a sampling of some of the great local talent that will be on display again this weekend.

Many Savannahians are too busy or tired in an average week to enjoy the local music scene, but the holiday might give some a chance to check out some of the talent that's right here all the time.

If you have an arts or entertainment item that Bill Dawers might be interested in, e-mail him at billdawers@comcast.net.

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